This column started with the meaning of “spirituality,” followed by the four basic “models” or ways of understanding it. It then presented two models, namely, the communitarian model (as when we speak of Franciscan, Vincentian or Carmelite spirituality) and the social justice model (quoting persons like Oscar Romero or Rani Maria as models).
This article presents a third model which has become very popular—the Psychological-Developmental Model.
Those who take this approach are not trying to present the spiritual tradition of a particular saint or religious order, but the common psycho-spiritual and developmental issues that everyone faces.
Thus, when we arrange a seminar for persons in their mid-life, a medical doctor may take classes on the physical symptoms and impact of menopause, a psychologist may focus on the emotional effects, etc. When we conduct a retreat for teenagers, we need to know the psychological challenges young people face. Emotional and developmental issues are common to all human beings. They do not differ from religion to religion, nor from one Catholic religious order to another! Depression is depression, jealousy is jealousy, and sexual attraction is powerful, whichever group one may belong to.
Even when someone seeks spiritual direction or vocational discernment, most of the issues involved concern our emotions, relationships, sexuality, family ties, unhealed wounds, etc.
Emotional Wounds and Spiritual Struggles
My difficulty in prayer can stem from broken relationships. My vocational problems may be tied to depression or unhealed hurts. My image of God may be negative…
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Fr Joe Mannath SDB
